Body found at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve identified as Springfield resident

Photos by Whitney Vickers | Fairborn Herald The body spotted by a hiker Jan. 9 in Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve has been identified as Michael Fowler, 65, of Springfield. Officials were uncertain whether it was an accident, suicide or case of foul play.

The incident is continuing to be investigated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

CLIFTON — Michael Fowler, 65, of Springfield, has been identified as the body found Jan. 9 at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.

The incident is still under investigation. A hiker spotted Fowler’s body in the Little Miami River in Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve prompting the investigation headed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Miami Township Fire Rescue Chief Colin Altman said officials were “uncertain” whether the incident was an accident, suicide or case of foul play. He added that crews were called into action approximately 1:30 p.m. Jan. 9 but was unsure how long the body had been there before crews arrived. However, Altman said it didn’t “seem” like it had been there for days.

“Usually there’s heavy traffic through here in the summer, but people like to come out here in the winter,” Altman said. “We try to keep everyone from walking in the woods when it’s icy like this.”

Upon the body being pulled from the water and recovered from the wooded area, the coroner’s office and ODNR started the investigation to make a determination concerning what took place.

Photos by Whitney Vickers | Fairborn Herald The body spotted by a hiker Jan. 9 in Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve has been identified as Michael Fowler, 65, of Springfield. Officials were uncertain whether it was an accident, suicide or case of foul play.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2018/01/web1_body2-2.jpgPhotos by Whitney Vickers | Fairborn Herald The body spotted by a hiker Jan. 9 in Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve has been identified as Michael Fowler, 65, of Springfield. Officials were uncertain whether it was an accident, suicide or case of foul play.

The incident is continuing to be investigated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2018/01/web1_body3-2.jpgThe incident is continuing to be investigated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.